DE102007059325A1 - Method for providing a mailpiece with a machine-readable code, device for carrying out the method and method for detecting the code applied to the mailpiece - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a method for providing a mail item having at least one machine-readable code, wherein the machine-readable code contains postal information.
The method is characterized in that a user is provided with a selection of parameters for processing and / or billing of the mail item, that postal information is created taking into account the selection of the user, that one is required for introducing the postal information into the code Minimum code length is determined and that the mailpiece is provided with the machine-readable code that the machine-readable code has at least the minimum code length.
The invention further relates to a method for detecting the code applied to the mailpiece as well as a device for carrying out the method.

Description

The The invention relates to a method for providing a mailpiece with a machine-readable code.

The The invention further relates to a device for implementation the method, the mailing and a method for detecting the codes applied to the mailing.

It It is known to provide postal items with machine-readable codes. The machine-readable codes may be, for example, data matrix codes act. Data matrix codes have the advantage that they have a contain high information density and that contained in them Information through a corresponding reading device quickly and can be read reliably by machine.

Out For these reasons, data matrix codes are often considered machine-readable Representation of postage indicia used.

task The invention is a method for providing a mailpiece with a machine-readable code that is fast Capturing the code in a processing unit allows.

According to the invention this task by a method with the characteristics of the independent Claim 1 solved.

The The object is further achieved by a device for providing a mailpiece solved with the machine-readable code according to claim 6. Furthermore, the problem is solved by a mailing after Claim 12, a method for detecting the on the mail piece applied code according to claim 13 and by a device for detecting the code according to claim 15. Advantageous developments of the method emerge from the dependent claims.

According to the invention a method of providing a mailing with at least one Code, the code containing postal information, so performed to give the user a choice of parameters for processing and / or billing of the mailpiece allows that, taking into account the Selection of the user's postal information will be created that one for an introduction of the postal information in the code required minimum code length is determined and that the mailpiece is provided with the code that the Code has at least the minimum code length.

The The invention provides a user with a selection of parameters for to allow processing and / or billing of a mailing.

Especially the invention includes a method, an apparatus and a System in which a plurality of mailpieces each with at least a code, the code being postal information contains.

The Invention includes both the case that multiple mailpieces be provided with a code with the same code length, as well as the case that postal items with codes of different Code length be provided.

A the smallest possible code length has the advantage that a capture and / or editing of the code is particularly fast can.

codes with different code lengths are then preferably created when a generating the code causing user a modified selection of parameters for the Processing and / or billing of the mailing makes.

Around to allow the user to select the parameters are According to the invention, various means can be used.

So For example, it is possible as a means of selection the parameter to provide a graphical user interface. This graphical user interface can be, for example through a graphical user program or a web-based Service be provided.

suitable Reproduction media for such a graphical user interface are operating units of postage meters, computer screens or display means of mobile user devices, such as mobile phones or Mobile Digital Assistant (MDA).

Around to speed up the detection of the code, it is expedient that the machine-readable code is a table of contents with information about contains the selection of parameters.

A Development of the invention is characterized in that the machine-readable code is a data matrix code.

A Development of the invention provides that at least one part the parameter provided by a central computer for selection becomes.

Further is it possible for at least one other part of the parameters or all parameters are generated offline.

The The invention further provides an apparatus for providing a Mailing with a machine-readable code, the code being postal Contains information to design so that they are Input means for selecting information for editing and / or the billing of the mailing contains that Input means is such that a user of the mailing a selection of several parameters for processing and / or the settlement of the mail item is enabled, in that the device comprises a means for determining a minimum code length for introducing the parameters into the code and that the code is applied so that it is at least the minimum Code length has.

Of course For example, the device may be configured to handle means equipped for carrying out the illustrated method steps is.

This applies in particular to the aforementioned input means, in particular the graphical user interface used.

To the Applying the machine-readable code to the mailpiece likewise a variety of methods can be used.

Especially it is expedient, known methods for printing use of mail, in particular thermal transfer printing, Inkjet printing or laser printing.

Conveniently, the device contains a data processing unit, which is equipped to take into account a selection of parameters for the processing and / or the settlement of the mail item determines which code length a code containing information about these parameters must have at least.

The Code length results for a franking type relevant data elements - in particular mandatory elements and optional fields - and their scope of data. Depending on resulting data size results in a code size of the code - especially the data matrix code.

These Code size is at a detection of the code - in particular of the data matrix code - especially when reading out - counting determined by modules of the code.

to Speeding up a reading of the code it is expedient that an order for a collection of data items is provided.

In In one embodiment, the order is for the capture of the data elements chosen so that first Data item is checked, which shipping service (Postal company) was noted as a service provider in the code. Thereafter, further information contained in the code is determined, for example, franking type and date.

The The invention includes a mail item having at least one data matrix code.

According to the invention, the mail item is distinguished by the fact that the machine-readable code entails a selection of postal information and a table of contents with information about the selection holds.

Furthermore The invention includes a method for detecting one on one Mailed machine-readable codes.

This Method is characterized in that in a table of contents information contained in the data matrix code about a Code size for the detection of the code is used.

A Further development of the invention provides that the code size determined in consideration of a table of contents becomes.

Furthermore The invention includes a device for detecting a a machine-readable code applied to a mail item Means for detecting the code.

This device is characterized in that the means for detecting the code is adapted to detect and evaluate an indication of a size of the code and the means is arranged so that the further detection of the code in dependence on the detected and evaluated information about the size of the code ( 20 . 30 ) he follows.

The The invention provides that in at least one area of a surface the mailing modules of the data matrix codes are detected.

A Development of the invention is characterized in that the Detected by a detection device and that the Moved mail against the detection device becomes.

A Development of the invention is characterized in that the Capturing the modules of the data matrix code takes place while moves the mail item relative to the detection device becomes.

The Invention is particularly suitable for machine detection a machine-readable code in a series processing of mail. Such series processing takes place, for example, in letter or freight centers and requires a safe and reliable Detecting a plurality of machine-readable mailers applied to mailpieces Codes.

preferred Numbers of processed postal items are between 10,000 and 100,000 postal items per hour. The invention allows but also an even faster detection of the mail applied machine-readable codes.

by virtue of the high speed at which the programs move past the camera be, results despite a short exposure time (or better Lighting / flash period), a slight distortion in the direction of transport. To compensate for the extent of this distortion, It is useful to have an error correction mechanism provided.

By The error correction mechanism may also include distortions, which are due to deficiencies in the printed image of the code, balanced become.

A Embodiment of the mailpiece, the method of mistake the mailpiece with a machine-readable code, the method for reading the machine-readable on the mailpiece Codes and the device for processing the mailing sees ago that the data matrix code modules with a module strength having.

A Further development of the mail item, the method for providing the mailpiece with a machine-readable code, the method of reading the the machine-readable codes and the device for processing the mailing provides that in addition for the data matrix code with postal information, further data matrix codes located on the mailpiece.

A Further development of the mail item, the method for providing the mailpiece with a machine-readable code, the method of reading the the machine-readable codes and the device for processing the mailing provides that the postal Information includes shipping information.

A Further development of the mail item, the method for providing the mailpiece with a machine-readable code, the method of reading the the machine-readable codes and the device for processing the mailing provides that the postal Information includes postage information.

A Further development of the mail item, the method for providing the mailpiece with a machine-readable code, the method of reading the the machine-readable codes and the device for processing the mailing provides that postal information is applied as a data matrix code on the mail piece.

A Further development of the mail item, the method for providing the mailpiece with a machine-readable code, the method of reading the the machine-readable codes and the device for processing the mailpiece provides that at least one surface area a broadcast surface for a presence of modules of the data matrix code is checked.

One Dot refers to the smallest printable width or height (given printer resolution). Conveniently, Therefore, the distance between the points and the width of the points are the same large. The dot is the usually physical minimum Pressure point.

One Module consists of at least one dot. For readability of the modules and an adaptation to printers with different producible However, to achieve dots, it is advantageous that the modules each consist of several dots.

The The invention further provides for a reading unit to be used which comprises created graphical image of the machine-readable code.

The Invention further includes use of a data processing unit, which is equipped to contain a memory, in which the graphical image of the machine-readable code is stored.

The The invention involves use of a plurality of postal Information.

Of the Term postal information includes sorting information and / or franking information and, where appropriate, such information, serve the post-internal purposes for handling the mail piece.

When Franking information can be called such information prove that a shipment has been franked, z. B. postage or product name, reference to customer number and order number, clear shipment identification for shipment tracking etc.

When Sorting information could be called information which (1) allow special treatment in the shipment stream (eg prioritized delivery, appointment delivery, special treatment certain content) and / or (2) support the service (eg postal codes or other codes, information for shipment control).

at The sorting information is information that is intended for Sorting the mail can be used.

in principle this can be different types of sorting information be used.

A preferred embodiment of the sorting information Address information of a recipient of the mailing. The address information may vary depending on the intended sorting purpose be equipped.

In simple embodiments may be in the address information For example, a Leitcodierung, for example, a postal code, act.

There there is a need for as much sorting as possible to facilitate the mailing, it is appropriate add further information in the address information and this thus to use as sorting information.

Especially So can street names, street sections and / or house numbers or house number ranges as sorting information be used.

The Sorting information may be in addition to or at This information should contain further information.

there It may also be an identification, in particular a Identification number, act.

The Invention includes several advantages.

Especially the code used is small and secure.

Furthermore the code is safe and fast to apply. Furthermore, he can also be read quickly and safely.

For example by using a reference clock, it is possible to make the code error-correcting.

• • Auslöschungen (Falten, verwischte Signale),
• • stochastische Fehler (Verschmutzung),
• • systematische Fehler (Ausfall eines Dots, periodisch).

In particular, this can correct the following errors:

• • Erasures (wrinkles, blurred signals),
• Stochastic errors (pollution),
• • systematic errors (failure of a dot, periodic).

A particularly preferred embodiment of the invention Method, the device according to the invention and the mailing invention records This translates into additional information in the code are introduced, which allow error correction.

in this connection It is particularly useful that a Reed-Solomon error correction method is used.

The inventive design of the codes leaves Both as a further development of known codes as well as in the Use new development of codes.

following is a particularly preferred use of the invention in the processing of mail in letter centers or freight centers shown. Here are usually several 10,000 Mailings sorted within an hour.

Further Advantages, special features and expedient further education The invention will become apparent from the dependent claims and the following description of preferred embodiments based on the pictures.

Short illustration of the pictures

From the pictures shows:

1 an inventive device for providing a mail piece with a code and

2 an inventive device for detecting the applied on the mailing code.

Presentation of the invention based on the pictures

1 shows a device for providing a mailpiece with a machine-readable code, wherein the code contains information for processing and / or billing of the mailpiece.

In the 1 The device shown is equipped to receive a mail item 10 with at least one machine-readable code 20 . 30 can provide.

In the case shown, the mailpiece is provided with two codes which ent ent postal information hold: a digital postage indicium 20 and an address field 30 ,

It is of course possible, the mailing to print only with a single code.

If It is done printing the mail piece with multiple codes possible, the generation of codes depending on the desired Purpose independently or coupled together perform.

If the invention is used, for example, for a further development of the known STAMPIT method, the franking mark is used 20 Information about a recipient address introduced. This information about the recipient address can also be found in the other machine-readable code 30 be brought in as an address.

Conveniently, serve information that is included in the postage indicium a settlement of the mailing. Depending on the desired application - especially according to the respective selection of the franking method - can in the postage indicium introduced information with various meanings become.

Of the Franking note preferably represents a graphical representation the information contained in it.

further developments According to the invention, information is included in the digital postage indicium which are billing and / or handling the mailing - especially in a processing unit - support can.

In Dependency of a selection made by a user parameters for processing and / or billing The mailing results in a code with a correspondingly changing Amount of information.

According to the invention provided the code applied to a mail item in dependence each resulting from the selection of the parameters Set minimum code length.

Depending on the selection of for a franking and possibly for further processing parameters, information is provided as a code for introduction into the postage indicium 20 created.

Accordingly, it is possible to provide further information - in particular address information - in further machine-readable codes 30 (Address field).

The code is applied by a printer 40 ,

Conveniently, the printer is passed through a data processing unit 50 For example, a computer, a postage meter, a mobile user device, such as a mobile phone or a mobile digital assistant (MDA) controlled.

The user data processing unit 50 provides via a display means 70 For example, a screen, a graphical user interface for a selection of parameters for processing and / or billing of mail.

The user may choose by a suitable input means 60 , For example, a keyboard or a computer mouse, not shown for reasons of simplification, meet. Of course, other choices are also possible, for example by pressing selection boxes on a touch screen.

In one embodiment, the selection is made directly to the user by the user computing device 50 provided. However, it is also possible for the user data processing unit 50 via a data line with a central computer 90 connected is. The central computer 90 can be equipped with different functions. By way of example, this may be a value transfer center for transferring values for the production of postage indicia.

Furthermore, it is expedient that the central computer in a central database information about holds the parameters available to the general users or the respective user - in particular after his identification or authentication.

By providing the selection on the central computer 90 It is possible to change conditions for the selection quickly, safely and centrally.

Therefore the invention allows the user a particularly simple and flexible creation of the postage indicia.

Of course, it is alternatively possible, a processing exclusively in the data processing unit 50 make. This is done, for example, by using correspondingly prepared computer programs and data provided for selecting the parameters.

The central computer 90 May possibly with a processing unit 100 be connected. The processing unit 100 is located, for example, spatially separated from the user, preferably in a processing center of mail, such as a letter or cargo center.

The processing unit 100 is expediently equipped so that it can perform a processing of the mail, for example, a fee review or sorting according to predetermined criteria, for example, according to address ranges.

A connection of the processing unit 100 with the central computer 90 allows the data processing unit 50 To provide information about valid postage indicia.

However, it is also possible that the processing unit 100 not with the central computer 90 connected is.

Both in embodiments in which the processing unit 100 with the central computer 90 is connected, as well as in the embodiments in which this connection does not exist, it is appropriate that the processing unit 100 at least one on the mailing 10 applied machine-readable code 20 . 30 detected.

According to the invention in particular a data matrix code provided. Because of this code contains postal information, it is also called post-matrix code (PMC).

For the design of the code is provided a variety of data fields, which are not usually used at the same time.

By the design according to the invention makes it possible to make the code the same and avoid it being unused Contains data fields.

This increases the speed of editing, since only the data fields (modules) used to create the code must be read / recorded.

• • Der PMC enthält nur die tatsächlich verwendeten Datenfelder und ein "Inhaltsverzeichnis", das angibt, welche Felder vorhanden sind.
• • Zusätzlich wird die Länge der Felder variabel gestaltet und die vorliegende Länge im "Inhaltsverzeichnis" dargestellt.

Particularly preferred embodiments of the post-matrix code are characterized in that it contains one, several or all of the following features:

• • The PMC contains only the data fields actually used and a "table of contents" that indicates which fields exist.
• • In addition, the length of the fields is made variable and the length is shown in the table of contents.

ever According to the scope of data, the PMC is thus different in size (provided are PMCs with 22 × 22, 26 × 26 and 32 × 32 Modules ~ "breathing" code.

In The figures illustrate the use of the invention in labeling of mail with a machine-readable code and a subsequent reading of the machine-readable code with acquisition relevant billing and / or sortierrelevanter information described using the example of a Briefsortieranlage.

In particular, the invention is suitable for use for bulk marking of mail shipments as well as the mass sorting of postal items in a letter center or parcel center.

It However, it is also possible, at least one of the processing steps in a smaller facility.

For example is it possible to use the code with a postage meter too produce.

Further is it possible to generate the code with a printer, the printer being connected to a computer system.

It is particularly advantageous to the code and other information - especially a recipient address in plain text - in one uniform printing process to print.

As well It is possible to process the mail in one to carry out a device intended for smaller consignments, for example, for internal mail distribution within of a business.

The can be used according to the invention codes easily and quickly recognize. They are therefore suitable both for use in large logistics systems as well as for use in smaller systems, for example for internal mail processing in companies.

A Further development of the invention provides that the code as a data matrix code (2D code) is configured.

With The two-dimensional data matrix code (2D code) can be compared to one-dimensional barcodes (1D codes) the information density per Surface can be increased significantly.

The data matrix code exists in various code schemes or "symbologies"("ECCn", n = 0 to 200, ECC = Error Checking and Correction Algorithm.) The most readable code scheme is the ECC 200 scheme of the square code field - even rectangular ones in certain aspect ratios - is determined from a large selection set, the symbol elements are square or round.This data matrix code is standardized in ISO, International Organization for Standardization, Geneva ISO / IEC 16022: 2000 and ISO / IEC 24720: 2006 and described in other standards for applications, such as in DIN standards and DIN EN standards. These standards are mandatory throughout the industry.

At the Data matrix code, the information is very compact in a square or rectangular area encoded as a pattern of dots. The data matrix code contains redundant data, so that for example, by the Reed-Solomon error correction used (ECC 200) up to 25% of errors in each element automatically can be corrected (for example, if parts of Codes were covered or destroyed).

At the Reading a data matrix code becomes an arrangement of points within a boundary (finder pattern) and determined in the grid of the matrix. The dots are preferably black or white boxes, connecting to each other, or round dots with gaps between. This makes the recognition of the information clear safer and the code in the stretch much more compact.

Of the Data matrix code preferably consists of four or five Main components:

1. The two pairs of solid through or broken edges as 'finder pattern'

The Fixed boundary lines are used for delimitation. She is going for uses the erection and equalization of the data matrix code, so that every reading angle is possible. For larger ones Codes also come with so-called alignment bars for use.

2. The closed edges opposite corner

This corner allows quick recognition of the code schemes. For the ECC 200 code scheme with an even number of rows and columns, the item in the top right corner is always white. For the other standardized code schemes with an odd row and column number, the item is in the upper right Corner always black.

3. The data area

This Data area contains the actual binary information in coded form. Defined according to the size of the matrix thus also the number of possible information.

4. The 'rest area'

These empty zone (quiet zone) surrounds the data matrix code. It contains no information or pattern. The width of the quiet zone is at least one column or row and becomes the delimitation of others optical picture elements of the environment needed.

5. The 'guides'

These pairwise combination of continuous and broken lines in facilitate both directions horizontally and vertically (alignment pattern) the image analysis. They divide large data fields into equal big parts. Each subfield can be like a single data matrix code be evaluated.

With the data matrix code 144 × 144 ECC 200 (plus finder pattern and alignment pattern) can be up to 1558 bytes (with 8 bits / byte), therefore 3116 numbers (3.5 bits) or 2335 ASCII characters and special characters with an extended character set (7 bits).

1 shows an embodiment of a mail piece according to the invention.

It This is a schematic representation in which the data matrix code called a post-matrix code as a black one Surface is shown.

Between the data matrix code according to the invention and edge regions The program contains further graphic information. hereby It is possible to make extensive use of printable To connect areas with the advantage that the inventive Data matrix code from the margins of the mailing one predeterminable minimum distance, preferably of the order of magnitude between 0.5 cm and 5 cm. This becomes a recognition of the data matrix code improved. This is especially true for such Mail items advantageous which a curvature in marginal areas have, for example, when very heavily filled Mail can occur.

• • Digitalmarke,
• • eBriefmarke,
• • Frankierservice,
• • FRANKIT,
• • DV-Freimachung,
• • Infopost mit Premiumadress.

The data matrix codes are particularly suitable for a machine-readable display of franking information. Here, both current and future franking methods can be used. Examples of particularly preferred embodiments of digital franking methods are the following digital franking methods of Deutsche Post AG:

• • digital brand,
• • e-stamp,
• • franking service,
• • FRANKIT,
• • DV franking,
• • Infopost with Premiumadress.

The Invention allows these digital postage indicia with digital matrix codes in a uniform data structure display.

One particularly preferred post-matrix code consists of 28 elements, the following with the letters "A" to "Z" and "AA" and "AB." These elements form the "building block" the post-matrix code, with which it is possible, postage indicia for different franking types and information content provide.

Byte and character encoding in the data matrix

Around to ensure that the matrix codes are created as simply as possible Two types of encoding are used: byte encoding and character encoding.

For Each type of franking is determined in advance, whether the filling of the post-matrix code in byte or character encoding.

Of the Post-matrix code is designed to work with both existing ones digital codes of Deutsche Post as well as independent in the future of the type of encoding (byte or character) completely is compatible.

It is both possible, the invention of novel codes as well as to use in known codes, for example in the industry-standard two-dimensional barcodes of the data matrix code. An application of the invention in development of the known data matrix code has the advantage that a simple code design with a fast readability and a use of reliable and secure detection and processing means can be done.

It is particularly useful, an error correction method use.

Of the Use of an error correction method makes it possible Influences by readings or by one to compensate for faded pressure.

to Representation of post-matrix content becomes the two-dimensional barcode of the type "Data Matrix" with the error correction method ECC 200 used.

ever after using the elements of the Data Matrix modular principle for different franking types, additional options and customer-specific data results in different sizes of data matrix codes, which are ordered according to the number of their so-called modules in Both dimensions are designated. As modules become the square ones black or white fields called, from which the Data matrix code exists. Change to two of its outer edges black and white modules off to read the Determine the size of the matrix code by counting to be able to. At the other two, opposite Pages are arranged only black modules, so on this Side gives an "L" with the same legs as outer edge.

• • 10×10 Module
• • 12×12 Module
• • 14×14 Module
• • 16×16 Module
• • 18×18 Module
• • 20×22 Module
• • 22×22 Module
• • 24×24 Module
• • 26×26 Module
• • 32×32 Module
• • 36×36 Module
• • 40×40 Module
• • 44×44 Module
• • 48×48 Module
• • 52×52 Module
• • 64×64 Module
• • 72×72 Module
• • 80×80 Module
• • 88×88 Module
• • 96×96 Module
• • 104×104 Module
• • 120×120 Module
• • 132×132 Module
• • 144×144 Module
• • 8×18 Module (rechteckiger Matrixcode für Sonderfälle)
• • 8×32 Module (rechteckiger Matrixcode für Sonderfälle)
• • 12×26 Module (rechteckiger Matrixcode für Sonderfälle)
• • 12×36 Module (rechteckiger Matrixcode für Sonderfälle)
• • 16×36 Module (rechteckiger Matrixcode für Sonderfälle)
• • 16×48 Module (rechteckiger Matrixcode für Sonderfälle)

The following sizes of the data matrix are used:

• • 10 × 10 modules
• • 12 × 12 modules
• • 14 × 14 modules
• • 16 × 16 modules
• • 18 × 18 modules
• • 20 × 22 modules
• • 22 × 22 modules
• • 24 × 24 modules
• • 26 × 26 modules
• • 32 × 32 modules
• • 36 × 36 modules
• • 40 × 40 modules
• • 44 × 44 modules
• • 48 × 48 modules
• • 52 × 52 modules
• • 64 × 64 modules
• • 72 × 72 modules
• • 80 × 80 modules
• • 88 × 88 modules
• • 96 × 96 modules
• • 104 × 104 modules
• • 120 × 120 modules
• • 132 × 132 modules
• • 144 × 144 modules
• • 8 × 18 modules (rectangular matrix code for special cases)
• • 8 × 32 modules (rectangular matrix code for special cases)
• • 12 × 26 modules (rectangular matrix code for special cases)
• • 12 × 36 modules (rectangular matrix code for special cases)
• • 16 × 36 modules (rectangular matrix code for special cases)
• • 16 × 48 modules (rectangular matrix code for special cases)

It however, it is also possible to use other types of code, for example Barcodes, or other forms of data, such as electronic stored codes to use.

electronic stored codes are preferably in an electronic circuit saved. This electronic circuit is preferably part an RFID tag.

The Coding of data contents can take place in the data matrix by various Fonts are made.

to Byte encoding uses the character set "Base 256".

There are five different character sets available for character encoding. Switching between the character sets usually takes place automatically with commercially available software programs for generating data matrix codes. The following character sets are used for character encoding: character set included characters efficiency ASCII ASCII characters 0 to 127 1 byte per code word ASCII extended ASCII characters 128 to 255 0.5 byte per code word ASCII numeric ASCII digits 2 bytes per code word C40 Capital letters, numbers, etc. 1.5 bytes per code word TEXT Lowercase letters etc. 1.5 bytes per code word BASE 256 ASCII characters 0 to 255 1 byte per code word Not used: X12 ANSI X12 (EDI) 1.5 bytes per code word EDIFACT ASCII characters 32 to 94 1.33 bytes per code word

Bytekodierung

at byte encoding will give each byte a value between 0 and 255 assigned. This type of byte encoding was also at all Franking marks with matrix code before the introduction of the Used post-matrix codes. Typically, there are several bytes combined into units, z. B. larger Represent numerical values. So can with a byte 256 different values are transported, so z. For example, the numbers 0 to 255. Consequently, with two combined bytes 256 · 256 = 65,536 values are displayed, that is, depending on professional task eg. For example, integers from 0 to 65,535 or sums of money with two decimal places of 0.00 to 655.35. The summary of bytes often allows a very efficient use of available space in a matrix code, but also requires some extra Calculations.

character encoding

The Character encoding uses mainly alphanumeric Characters, letters and numbers. Often, however, are used also other printable characters such as dots, dashes, percent signs etc. Needed for character encoding is use of character sets such. Eg "ASCII". The pure American Character set ASCII (7 bits) includes all major US and lower case letters as well as numerous other printable characters and non-printable control characters. However, it does not cover European Letters like German with umlaut or French with Accent.

to Character encoding is five different in the Data Matrix code Fonts available. The selection or switching between the different character sets is used by software programs to Generation of Data Matrix Codes i. d. R. automatically made. When generating the matrix code with a commercial one Barcode generator thus only needs to enter any character string become. This string can then be printed from the Matrix code with a standard two-dimensional barcode scanner read out again and immediately in an identical way as in the Input can be displayed. The string is for this reason often more user-friendly than the more abstract byte encoding.

However, depending on the used character set or frequency of character set switching is under occupied a lot of space in the matrix code. As a result, when using more efficient character sets such as C40 (capital letters and numbers) or ASCII numeric (digits only), more data can fit into a data matrix code than when using text with many umlauts (ASCII extended) or non-printable control characters (ASCII).

Different than in byte encoding depends on the character encoding the available space in the matrix code thus of the actual used characters. Accordingly, z. For example, the number the usable characters in the element of the customer-specific data not exactly predictable (more characters with numbers and fewer characters with umlauts etc.).

data elements

The elements described below including field lengths, their Use with different franking types as well as from this resulting matrix code sizes are for example: Basic fields and radio buttons.

• – Postunternehmen
• – Frankierart und Version
• – Eindeutige Sendungs-ID des Herausgebers
• – Herausgeber
• – Produktschlüssel
• – Version der Produkt- und Preisliste
• – Kryptographische Informationen (Hashwert)
• – Datum
• – Inhaltsverzeichnis der Option

Examples of basic fields are:

• - Post companies
• - Franking and version
• - Unique broadcast ID of the publisher
• - Publisher
• - Product key
• - Version of the product and price list
• - Cryptographic information (hash value)
• - date
• - Table of contents of the option

• – Premiumadress-ID
• – Premiumprozess/Routing
• – Postspezifische Nummer
• – Land
• – Postleitzahl
• – Ort
• – Straße
• – Hausnummer
• – Postfach-Nummer
• – MR-Zukunftsfeld
• – Kundenauftragsnummer des Herausgebers
• – Empfängerkundennummer des Herausgebers
• – Sonstige Informationen des Herausgebers
• – Vorname oder erste Zeile Firmenname
• – Nachname oder zweite Zeile Firmenname
• – Adresszusatz oder dritte Zeile Firmenname
• – Adresszusatz oder vierte Zeile Firmenname

Preferred examples of option fields are:

• - Premium address ID
• - Premium process / routing
• - Post specific number
• - Country
• - Post Code
• - place
• - Street
• - House number
• - PO Box number
• - MR future field
• - Customer order number of the publisher
• - Receiver customer number of the publisher
• - Other information of the publisher
• - First name or first line company name
• - Last name or second line Company name
• - Additional address or third line company name
• - Additional address or fourth line company name

The Base fields correspond to fixed field lengths while the radio buttons correspond to flexible field lengths.

• • Bytekodierungen werden in dieser Spezifikation hexadezimal dargestellt. Unabhängig von dieser Darstellung werden den Bytes im tatsächlichen Data-Matrix-Code Werte im dezimalen Zahlenraum von 0 bis 255 zugewiesen (Zeichensatz „Base 256"). Die hexadezimale Darstellung ist dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass sie in Hochkommata (' ') eingeschlossen wird. Der Großbuchstabe X steht als Platzhalter für ein hexadezimales Halbbyte, das die Werte 0 bis F annehmen kann.

In the following specification, byte encodings and character encodings are displayed side by side.

• • Byte encodings are represented in hexadecimal form in this specification. Regardless of this representation, the bytes in the actual Data Matrix code are assigned values in decimal numbers ranging from 0 to 255 (character set "Base 256") .The hexadecimal representation is characterized by being enclosed in single quotes ('') Capital letter X stands for a hexadecimal nibble, which can take on the values 0 to F.

Example 1:

• • Die bei der Zeichenkodierung verwendeten Buchstaben und Ziffern werden in Anführungszeichen dargestellt ("..."). Zur korrekten Füllung der von der Deutschen Post geforderten Feldinhalte reichen Großbuchstaben (A bis Z, ohne Umlaute) und Ziffern (0 bis 9) aus. Als Platzhalter für diese Zeichen werden Kleinbuchstaben verwendet: der Buchstabe a repräsentiert ein alphanumerisches Zeichen aus dem o. g. Wertebereich. Der Buchstabe n repräsentiert ein numerisches Zeichen aus dem Wertebereich 0 bis 9. Der Buchstabe h repräsentiert ein hexadezimales Zeichen aus dem Bereich 0 bis 9 und A bis F. Platzhalter werden nicht in Anführungszeichen dargestellt, um eine Verwechslung mit konkreten Werten zu vermeiden. Kundenseitig genutzte Felder (z. B. Kundenauftragsnummer, Adressfelder, kundenindividuelle Daten) können über Großbuchstaben und Ziffern hinaus auch mit anderen Sonder- und Steuerzeichen belegt werden.

'XX XX' stands for values coded in 2 bytes; Example 2: '30' and 48 represent the same numerical value (hexadecimal and decimal); Example 3: the byte sequence '00 11 45 00 'is the hexadecimal representation of the decimal value 1131776. leading bytes must be padded with' 00 '.

• • The letters and numbers used in character encoding are shown in quotation marks ("..."). To correctly fill the field contents required by Deutsche Post, capital letters (A to Z, without umlauts) and numbers (0 to 9) suffice. Lowercase letters are used as placeholders for these characters: the letter a represents an alphanumeric character from the above range of values. The letter n represents a numeric character from the range 0 to 9. The letter h represents a hexadecimal character from the range 0 to 9 and A to F. Placeholders are not shown in quotation marks to avoid confusion with specific values. Fields used by the customer (eg sales order number, address fields, customer-specific data) can also be used with other special characters and control characters in addition to capital letters and numbers.

• • Im Falle der Zeichenkodierung wird hinter dem letzten Nutzzeichen jedes verwendeten Datenelements das Stoppzeichen „~" („Tilde") eingefügt. Eine in den Nutzzeichen tatsächlich erforderliche Tilde wird durch einen vorangestellten „Backslash" gekennzeichnet („\~"). Ein tatsächlicher erforderlicher Backslash wird durch einen doppelten Backslash gekennzeichnet („\\").
• • Im Falle der Bytekodierung werden keine Stoppzeichen verwendet, weil die Verwechslungsgefahr im Gegensatz zur Zeichenkodierung zu hoch wäre. Stattdessen wird zu Beginn eines jeden flexiblen Feldes in genau einem führenden Byte in Base 256 die Zahl der Bytes angekündigt, aus denen das Datenelement inklusive des Längenankündigungsbytes besteht.
• • Die ersten vier Datenelemente (J, K, L und M) werden in Base 256 dargestellt und numerisch ausgewertet. Beispiel: Die Zahl 257 erfordert zur Darstellung zwei Bytes, der Wert der beiden Bytes lautet '01 01'. Inklusive des Ankündigungsbytes (Feldlänge 3 Byte) lautet der Feldinhalt somit '03 01 01.
• • Die folgenden Datenelemente (N und folgende) werden als Einzelzeichen in erweiterter ASCII-Kodierung dargestellt und ausgewertet. Beispiel: Die Zahl 257 erfordert zur Darstellung drei ASCII-Zeichen. Die ASCII-Werte lauten '32 35 37'. Inklusive des Ankündigungsbytes (Feldlänge 4 Byte) lautet der Feldinhalt somit '04 32 35 37'.

The data elements A to I have fixed field lengths (different for byte and character encoding). The data element J as well as all subsequent data elements (the so-called "option fields") have flexible field lengths, the following statements relate independently of the coding in the data matrix to the technical input of the characters:

• • In the case of character encoding, the stop character "~"("tilde") is inserted after the last character of each data element used. A tilde actually required in the utility characters is identified by a preceding "backslash"("\~"). An actual required backslash is indicated by a double backslash ("\\").
• • In the case of byte encoding, no stop characters are used because the likelihood of confusion would be too high, unlike character encoding. Instead, at the beginning of each flexible field in exactly one leading byte in base 256, the number of bytes that make up the data element, including the length indication byte, is announced.
• • The first four data elements (J, K, L and M) are displayed in base 256 and evaluated numerically. Example: The number 257 requires two bytes to represent, the value of the two bytes is '01 01 '. Including the announcement byte (field length 3 bytes), the field contents are '03 01 01.
• • The following data elements (N and following) are displayed as single characters in extended ASCII coding and evaluated. Example: The number 257 requires three ASCII characters to represent. The ASCII values are '32 35 37 '. Including the announcement byte (field length 4 bytes), the field contents are '04 32 35 37 '.

at Character encoding uses the character set "C40".

The specified version identifiers are examples. Actually possible franking types are subject to version management Franking and are therefore only valid as described there.

Around future franking types from the building set of the Post-Matrix to be able to form, supports the reading technique all theoretically possible franking types (ie '00' to 'FF'). A case by case processing is based on the in the background systems each activated frankings.

The unique consignment ID corresponds to a part of the franking mark printed franking ID. The other part of the franking ID comes from the element E.

For the publisher's broadcast ID is five in byte encoding Bytes available. In the case of franking systems (serial number) franked shipments will continue in numerical representation incremented. In the case of the EKP marking, shipment numbers become below a number (see also element E) continuously counted up.

The most significant half-byte is set to zero. Thus is a figure of approximately 68.7 billion can be covered. Should be an overflow required, it will be set to the value '00 00 00 00 01 '

at The first two of the eleven will be available for character encoding standing signs used to signify participation. These Both characters also correspond to the first two characters in the first line of the franking ID printed in the franking preceded by the EKP number.

The last nine characters may be in hexadecimal (or possibly also only numerical) Representation for the identification of the broadcast unique be used.

By using appropriate methods, make sure that the unique shipment ID is under the respective ECP number of the publisher (element E) is unambiguous for a period of at least 12 months (rolling). Otherwise desired additional services can not be provided or only with reduced quality.

at Character encoding uses the table of contents "ASCII numerical".

The The publisher's information corresponds to part of the franking mark printed franking ID. The other part of the franking ID comes from the item C (publisher's unique broadcast ID).

at The byte encoding is five for the publisher Bytes available. These are in the case of franking systems with the serial number of the franking system.

in the Case of the EKP tag becomes the first of the five bytes used to represent participation. In the following four bytes the first eight digits of the EKP number are displayed. Participation can for the marking of printing lines, orders o. Ä. Serve.

at The character encoding is eight characters for the publisher to disposal. These are the first eight digits the EKP number is assigned.

at Character encoding uses the character set "ASCII numeric".

To to create a new numbering system, the previous Product numbers from the product and price list for digital Used franking systems.

Byte- and alphanumeric coding include the same five-digit code numeric value.

at Character encoding uses the character set "ASCII numeric".

following an embodiment becomes possible for clarification Code contents explained.

at In this embodiment, by way of example, parameters called for a processing of the mailing. In the embodiment these are fields shown in the table for Presentation of contents of the code. This content concerns the Logistics company (postal companies), the type of franking and, if applicable, the version of the franking system, a shipment identification (Shipment ID), information about a publisher, one Product key, a version of a product and price list, cryptographic information (in particular for example, a hash value), a date, and a table of contents for optional parameters.

In In the illustrated embodiment, these parameters have been termed as basic fields because they are used in a variety of ways Franking marks occur. It is possible to use these basic fields in all or substantially all codes. This is however, not required, and the invention expressly includes also the cases in which these basic fields only in individual Codes are activated.

With the term "option fields" refers to those fields each individually selected by a user can.

at For example, these radio buttons are: a premium address identification, a premium process routing specification, a post-specific number, a country, a postal code, a location, a street name, a house number, a mailbox number, a number for integration of further services (M-future field), a sales order number, a beneficiary customer number Field for other information and identification information a sender, for example, first name, last name, additional address.

following are the fields shown in the table for a Selection of parameters exemplified.

A: Post companies

at Character encoding uses character set C40.

B: franking and version

For character encoding, the character set "C40" is used. The specified version identifiers are examples. The actually possible franking types are subject to the version management franking and are therefore only valid as described there.

Around future franking types from the building set of the Post-Matrix to be able to form, supports the reading technique all theoretically possible franking types (ie '00' to 'FF'). A case by case processing is based on the in the background systems each activated frankings.

C: Publisher's unique broadcast ID

at Character encoding is the character set "C40" or "ASCII numerical ".

D: Publisher

at Character encoding uses the character set "ASCII numeric".

E: product key

at Character encoding uses the character set "ASCII numeric".

F: Version product and price list

at Character encoding uses the character set "ASCII numeric".

G: cryptographic information

H: date

at Character encoding uses the character set "ASCII numeric".

I: Table of contents of the options

at Character encoding uses the character set "ASCII numeric".

at the character encoding becomes one out of, for example, five Digits existing string used. Each one of the five Numbers are based on an octal number, which is analogous to the data element "Premiumprozess / Routing" each changed.

J: Premium Address ID

at Character encoding uses the character set "ASCII numeric".

K: premium process / routing

For character encoding, the value is formed as follows:
For character encoding, the character set "ASCII numeric" is used. The string is formed analogous to the data element I of octal numbers, which are changed.

L: Post specific number

at Character encoding uses the character set "ASCII numeric".

M: Country

at Character encoding uses the character set "ASCII numeric".

The field "Country" must contain content according to UPU standard S05-3 with country identifiers according to ISO 3166 be filled. Here only the three-digit numerical coding is used.

at Use other address fields (data elements N to R) can on this data element for national shipments within Germany be waived.

N: Postcode

at Character encoding, for example, the character set "ASCII" is used.

The Character encoding of the postal code can be tailored to the needs adapted to the respective shipping company (postal company) become. The relevant professional rules of the postal company stay preserved. For example, in the Applicant's present Invention postal codes used with five digits, where the zip codes may include leading zeros. For example, the postal code 01099 is at a postal code for the city of Dresden.

O: place

at Character encoding can also use the character set "ASCII extended" become.

P: street

at Character encoding can also use the character set "ASCII extended" become.

Q: house number

at Character encoding can also use the character set "ASCII extended" become.

R: PO box number

at Character encoding can also use the character set "ASCII extended" become.

S: MR future field

at Character encoding can also use the character set "ASCII extended" become.

T: customer order number of the publisher (AM)

The Customer order number is managed and filled by the customer. The uniqueness of the customer order number must be ensured by the customer. The sales order number agrees with that used in the AM system Sales order number and may therefore a maximum of 15 digits be. In particular, in the character encoding should preferably Digits or character set C40. Possible but are also number / letter combinations and possibly special characters.

If character sets other than numbers or C40 are used here, this can be done with some franking markers , in particular those in the window, at the expense of the length of the customer-specific data.

U: recipient customer number of the publisher

at Character encoding can also use the character set "ASCII extended" become.

V: Other information of the publisher

at Character encoding can also use the character set "ASCII extended" become.

W: first name or first line company name

at Character encoding can also be the character set "ASCII extended" be used.

X: last name or second line company name

at Character encoding can also be the character set "ASCII extended" be used.

Y: add address or third line company name

at Character encoding can also use the character set "ASCII extended" become.

Z: add address or fourth line company name

at Character encoding can also be the character set "ASCII extended" be used.

Future field AA

at Character encoding can also use the character set "ASCII extended" become.

Future field AB

at Character encoding can also use the character set "ASCII extended" become.

It is particularly advantageous in the machine-readable code information to contribute to the identification of a consignment.

A Particularly preferred embodiment of the invention sees suggest that users opt for a use of the procedure for Registering mail with codes.

To It is possible for a user registration to provide user identification information assigned. This user identification is in this application as customer number (EKP).

Further It is possible to assign multiple names to each user.

The allow embodiments illustrated an integration of the invention into extensive logistic systems, in particular for sending mail in very high numbers.

It It will be clear to the person skilled in the art that he uses the illustrated examples to the respective logistic requirements of one of the illustrated Processes implementing company can adapt.

10

mailing

20

franking (machine-readable code)

30

address field (machine-readable code)

40

printer

50

User Computing memo

60

input means

70

display means

90

central computer

100

processing unit

QUOTES INCLUDE IN THE DESCRIPTION

This list The documents listed by the applicant have been automated generated and is solely for better information recorded by the reader. The list is not part of the German Patent or utility model application. The DPMA takes over no liability for any errors or omissions.

Cited non-patent literature

• - ISO / IEC 16022: 2000 [0123]
• - ISO / IEC 24720: 2006 [0123]
• - ISO 3166 [0203]

Claims (18)

Method for providing a mailpiece with at least one machine-readable code ( 20 . 30 ), the machine-readable code ( 20 . 30 ) contains postal information, characterized in that a user has a selection of parameters for processing and / or billing the mail item ( 10 ) that, taking into account the selection of the user, postal information is created, that a minimum code length required for introducing the postal information into the code is determined, and that the item of mail is thus delivered with the machine-readable code ( 20 . 30 ) that the machine-readable code ( 20 . 30 ) has at least the minimum code length. Method according to claim 1, characterized in that the machine-readable code ( 20 . 30 ) contains a table of contents with information about the selection of the parameters. Method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the machine-readable code ( 20 . 30 ) is a data matrix code. Method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the machine-readable code ( 20 . 30 ) is a barcode. Method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the machine-readable code ( 20 . 30 ) is stored in an electronic circuit. Method according to claim 5, characterized in that that the machine-readable code is integrated in an RFID tag. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the selection of the parameters with a User data processing unit is done. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least part of the parameters are read from a central computer ( 80 ) is provided for selection. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least a part of the parameters Linen is produced. Device for providing a mailpiece with a machine-readable code ( 20 . 30 ), the machine-readable code ( 20 . 30 ) Contains information for processing and / or billing the mailpiece, characterized in that it comprises an input means ( 60 ) for selecting information for the processing and / or billing of the postal item ( 10 ) contains that the input means ( 60 ) is such that a user of the mailpiece ( 10 ) a selection of several parameters for the processing and / or the billing of the mail item ( 10 ), the device is provided with a means for determining a minimum code length for introducing the parameters into the machine-readable code ( 20 . 30 ) and that the machine-readable code ( 20 . 30 ) is applied so that it has at least the minimum code length. Device according to claim 10, characterized in that that she is equipped to take into account the selected selection of parameters determines which code length a code containing information about these parameters must have at least. Mailing ( 10 ) with at least one data matrix code, characterized in that the machine-readable code ( 20 . 30 ) contains a selection of postal information and a table of contents with information about the selection. Method for detecting a message on a mail piece ( 10 ) machine-readable codes ( 20 . 30 ), characterized in that contained in a table of contents of the data matrix code information on a code size for the detection of the code is used. Method according to claim 13, characterized in that taking into account the code size a table of contents is determined. Contraption ( 100 ) for capturing one on a mailpiece ( 10 ) applied machine-readable Codes by a means for detecting the code, characterized in that the means for detecting the code is adapted to detect and evaluate an indication of a size of the code and the means is arranged to further detect the code in Dependency of the recorded and evaluated information about the size of the code ( 20 . 30 ) he follows. Device according to claim 15, characterized in that it is connected to a central computer ( 90 ) containing information about parameters for processing and / or billing mailpieces. Device according to one of claims 15 or 16, characterized in that the central computer ( 90 ) via a display means ( 70 ) Provides information about the parameters for selection by a user. Device according to one of claims 16 or 17, characterized in that the device ( 100 ) connected central computer ( 90 ) with the central computer ( 80 ), which provides the information about the parameters for user selection.